An adorable puppy with a potentially deadly condition which saw his legs blow up to double their size has his out-of-proportion limbs to thank for finding him a home.

Michael Swan, from Staten Island, New York, was drawn to the sweet pooch - now named Sherman - because of his oversized appendages.

Bus conductor Swan, 39, said it was 'love and first sight' when he saw Sherman, whose legs resemble those of Eddie Murphy's character in The Nutty Professor.

The eight-month-old pup has lymphedema, a condition which causes a blockage in the lymphatic system, meaning fluid builds up in his hind legs, causing swelling.

If the pooch sustains a cut or infection to the area it could prove fatal, but the father of three is determined not to let this risk limit his life - and wants to ensure the pup has his 'best possible life' for however long he lives.

Eight-month-old Sherman has lymphedema, a condition which causes a blockage in the lymphatic system, meaning fluid builds up in his hind legs, causing swelling

Luckily for Sherman, his new owner Michael Swan fell in love with his out-of-proportion legs which he developed because of 'bad breeding'

Bus conductor Swan, 39, said it was 'love and first sight' when he saw Sherman, whose legs resemble those of Eddie Murphy's character in The Nutty Professor

Swan said: 'Sherman is great, he's a great big lug that's for sure, we love him and it feels like he loves us too.

'We noticed his legs will bother him if we run around a bit because he gets tired and will lay down.

'But apart from that it doesn't affect his everyday life, I don't think he realises he has big fat back legs.

'I thought that if god forbid, he lasts only five or six years, I will make them the best years of his life with me.